Danske Spil issues call for rule changes in Denmark

Danish gaming leader Danske Spil has issued a 10-point plan to improve player protection standards in the market, after claiming current rules are inadequate.

The state-owned operator said the gaming market in Denmark is one of the best regulated in the world, but contended that current rules “do not adequately protect vulnerable players and minors”.

It cited figures from the country’s regulator, Spillemyndigheden, which shows a 35% increase in self-exclusions between 2017 and 2019, as evidence that rules need to be tightened.

Danske Spil has made 10 specific suggestions on how rules could be changed, with most relating to marketing.

It wants to see the prohibition of advertising during live sports on television and no casino commercials on TV. Commercials for payday loans and gambling products should not be broadcast in the same advertising windows, it continued, while the use of celebrities to promote real-money gaming should be prohibited. 

Danske Spil wants a ban on game bonuses, and prohibition of VIP programs and affiliate partners. It also wants mandatory ID verification for betting shops introduced – which it will introduce in its own properties this year – as well as mandatory loss limits.

“It is in everyone's interest that we have a gaming market where gaming remains the entertainment it should be,” said Susanne Mørch Koch, the chief executive of Danske Spil.

“And although we, as a gambling provider, have a large number of fences to prevent and protect vulnerable players, we unfortunately find that today there are too many who fall through the protection network that has been set up.

“Therefore, we believe it is necessary to tighten the net and regulate the gaming market further. And in order for it to work, it requires the same rules for all gaming providers in Denmark.”

Earlier this month, Spillemyndigheden revealed that its problem gambling helpline received 722 calls during its first full year of operation, more than initially expected.